Reviews are Nice; The pairings are NOT decided yet. I get people like Vander/Lucy, I like them too, they're adorable when she's sassy and keeps up with him, but...I really don't know if they will get together or if it will be a friendship...or how far this darkness is going to go.

I don't own Fairy Tail. Mashima Does.

I don't own the Pradesh Clan. Desna does (and thank you for them).

I own the Storyline. That's it. Apparently I have also adopted "Good Hestor".

I also own All Things "Bellum" in this Story. it's my original creation, including the characters within the country.

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There was a soft beat, almost like a heartbeat that filled the air and a man with silky, long black hair sat on a throne. His chin was propped up in one hand as he sat there, fingers idly curling over a book in his lap. With a low hum, he slowly stood, moving out of the large chamber and to what looked like a giant garden. He barely looked at the exsanguinated, gaunt corpses that were almost hidden within the depths of the rose vines.

The man stood for a moment, fingers again stroking the book he carried, "It is time." a dark glee glinted just slightly in the dark eyes as he took in the area around him. He didn't look behind him, feeling another man stopping behind him, "Let the plan for Face begin."

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Laxus couldn't help but sigh as he watched his mate be, as far as he could call it, accosted by a flying Lucy. The woman had herself half wrapped around the tall redheaded mage as she squealed his name.

Rowan took it in stride and arched an eyebrow at the "Small" delegation from White Sea, "aphid removal, please?"

Lucy snorted and clung a bit more, "nope, no removal. We're here for Bixy's birthday…" her eyes danced as she pulled away, "Where is he?"

"With his mate, most likely," Rowan shrugged as he moved towards the table that Laxus was settled at, "early present, I'd wager." When Lucy finally released him, he leaned over, lightly kissing the slayer and leaning against his chair.

"Well...fine.." Lucy pouted a bit, "we brought all these gifts too." She let out a huff and flopped into a seat, "we'll wait. Not like we have a choice."

Laxus chuckled softly, "you don't. So where is everyone else?"

"Oh, they're all back at the house," Lucy shrugged a bit, "Raven's been grumpy...he's getting in more teeth, Farron's off showing his new friend around a bit, Dad's-" she rolled her eyes at the arched eyebrow she got from Laxus, "finishing up work at the Consulate in Bosco, so he should be here in a few days...Cris is with Risley at Mermaid Heel, visiting like they do every few months so she can stay in touch with her friends..."

"Kaleb?" Laxus picked up his drink, "I'd like to get a spar in with him."

Lucy clicked her tongue and looked at Zen and Vander. Laxus could tell that they were discussing something silently. Lucy sighed and mumbled, "he's not coming, his mate was needed at the Citadel and he didn't want to come without him."

Laxus arched an eyebrow, "mate?" the man looked just a bit shocked.

Rowan grinned, "okay, I need details...how are he and Hestor doing?"

Laxus, Vander and Zen - the last to a very softer degree - groaned at the question. Lucy smirked, "they're getting there." she pulled out a folder and slid them across the table towards Rowan, eyes dancing, "they still fight, they still bicker, but...I mean…" She shrugged slightly, "they didn't...get to make things right before everything happened."

"Well good," Rowan picked up the folder and flipped through it, "They both deserve someone just as stubborn as they are. It seems to be what most guildmasters need" The green mage hummed, "I'll get this over to Max." He smiled and kissed Laxus' cheek, "Don't forget, you promised to help Yajima with your team over at 8Island."

"Mm, I won't," Laxus grinned as he watched the redhead walk away. Letting out a sigh as he looked at the mages, "but really…"

Lucy smiled as she curled up against Zen, "he's fine. Besides, you'll have plenty of people to spar with, if you really want."

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Farron chuckled as he watched Lily, the woman smiling as she looked at various fruits in the market stall they were at. "See anything you like?"

The woman blinked up at him and blushed a bit, but her eyes danced with mischievousness, "well…"

The man shook his head and smiled warmly, "to eat tonight."

"I know something you could eat," Her voice was demure, but had an undertone that sent his blood on fire.

The man let out a hum and took a slow breath, "well, I do not mind doing that...but...I would think you would like to get some food in you first."

The next words out of her mouth, in that still demure tone made him choke, "I don't think I'm allowed to talk about that in public. You said it's not proper conversation in Fiore."

This woman, he swore, as he looked at the innocent face was more of a succubus than a Holy Warrior most days. He could also admit, the fact that she could school her features and say such lavacious things in a soft voice sent his blood rushing through his entire being and setting his body on fire. "Perhaps," he cleared his throat, "we should eat out…"

The woman smiled as she picked up a few pomegranates. She held it out to be bagged up and then took them after paying, "Oh? Is there a good place? That won't take too long about?"

The shopkeep had been watching the two with mild amusement, "well, my daughter and her friends like 8Island.."

Farron nodded, "i've heard good things, I'd almost forgotten about it, Thank you." He smiled at the man and then carefully put a hand on Lily's lower back, leading her away. When they got far enough away, he murmured, "Wicked woman."

Her face stayed the same calm and demure facade, "wicked holy woman."

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Bickslow sighed as someone knocked on the door, the boscan pursing his lips and trying to decide if anyone was coming to visit. He was just finishing getting ready to go 8Island and chuckled as he saw Cobra dozing on the couch. Well, after the knock, he doubted the slayer was sleeping any more.

The Seith frowned as he opened the door, "Doronbolt."

The man there looked like shit, if Bickslow was going to be honest. He tilted his head a bit, watching the man and taking in the lines of stress and slowly moved aside. The man had made it so that he had 'possession' of Cobra, though it had taken Bickslow explaining Dragon Slayers and Mates to the council in a very uncomfortable to them conversation.

When he just came in, the Seith rolled his eyes, "Sure, fine, come in. not like I was doing anything."

Doronbolt looked down at Cobra, "wake up."

The former criminal let out a growl, "What do you want."

"Information," The man eyed the slayer warily.

Cobra sighed as he sat up and stared at the man, "You smell like you've been buried in ru-"

"Shut up. I need to know about Tartaros. I know that you know."

Cobra let out a low sound and when he looked at Bickslow he nodded, "Go on, I'll be fine, yeah?" he grinned, "you've got a promise to keep."

Bickslow chuckled as he walked over and gave the slayer a light kiss, "Be good. No melting stuff, got it?"

"Yeah, yeah, I melt it, I replace it ten times over," Cobra grinned as he looked up at bickslow, "...and I know...No hitting, killing or maiming the rune knight."

Doranbolt watched the two interact, lips draw into a thin line, even as Cobra sat there. The two were quiet until Bickslow closed the door behind him and then the slayer sneered, "you've got a lot of fucking balls."

"Shut up. The council was attacked. Everyone killed…" The man tried to not let his voice choke, "councilmen...Lahar…"

Cobra let out a breath through his nose and groaned, "ya sure it was them?"

"Yes, it was them. The creature made it very clear where he was from," mest crossed his arms over his chest, "I need answers."

Cobra leaned back, arm over the back of the couch. The slayer scoffed "and ya think because I was in a dark guild I'd know shit?"

The two stared at each other for a long moment, before the Rune knight spoke, "no, because Lahar thought you'd know."

"Fuckin' hell," he groaned and let his head fall back, "nine of 'em...demons from the books of Zeref." he rolled his head to the side, a feral grin on his lips, "yeah...that's about the terror most people have, right there."

Doronbolt turned, moving out of the home fairly quickly and Cobra groaned slightly. The slayer sat there and then eventually hefted himself to his feet, "Guess I better go play goodie two shoes and tell Bix's guild…"

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"Bix!" Farron grinned as he saw his brother, waving as he sat with Lily at a table.

Bickslow grinned as his babies flew around, setting plates on tables, "Fare!" he turned his grin on the woman, "wow...you snagged one, Bro."

Lily slowly blinked as she looked at Bickslow, "Brother?"

Farron nodded, "My brother."

The woman's lips curled into a devious smile, despite the rest of her features keeping that calm demeanor, "I do not think it is he that snagged me…" She quirked an eyebrow slightly, "I tend to catch him off guard more often than not."

Bickslow laughed as he stood there, "That so?"

"Yes, There have been multiple complaints for my actions," She brought her drink to her lips, "mostly about torn pants."

The Seith stared for a moment and then grinned widely, "oh, I like her, Fare." He looked at his brother and could see just a slight dust of a blush on his cheeks, "aww, big bro looks all cute like that."

Farron rolled his eyes, but gave his brother a faint smile, "we'll have two of the specials."

"Coming right up!" Bickslow chuckled as he walked back to the kitchen, "Freed! We need two specials, make 'em look good."

"I'm offended that you think I would not take proper time-"

"Freed, man, it's for my brother Farron and company." The Boscan rolled his eyes as he saw Ever and Freed both move to the window to look out and look to see who the ambassador was with.

"She's pretty," Ever spoke softly, watching the two, "and she's making him blush! How adorable." The Fairy Mage grinned at Bickslow, "you're going to tease him, aren't you?"

"Hell ya, gonna be a bratty little brother."

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Lucy Leaned over the railing, pursing her lips, "wow...Hes might like to know that…"

Vander snorted softly, "you have musca out again?"

The blonde arched an eyebrow at him and then nodded "Yeah...Minerva...yanno, the chick that Hestor totally asswhooped at the games? Joined a dark guild."

The shadowquip let out a low whistle, "wow, talk about having a fucking issue, huh?"

"Well, not like anyone thinks we're strong," Lucy put her head on folded arms, watching Erza and Marakov, keeping her voice low. Her eyes tracked the guildhall again and she let out a low hum, "they're looking into something called E.N.D."

Vander watched her, knowing that she was concentrating on her spirit more than just idly looking around. He leaned back, sighing as they continued to wait for bickslow. He was bored, but going out to eat when he was able to get information on the going ons of Fiore since the games was something he was more interested in.

Zen looked towards the two, looking slightly amused, "you're both antsy."

Lucy looked over at Zen and smiled warmly before she leaned towards him, head tilted up, "completely. So much nervous energy." her eyes danced, "we may have to go to one of the locker rooms, lock the door and you two get to help me get rid of this energy."

Zen moved to tuck a bit of her hair back, "mm, half an hour?" he was testing the waters. Both men had noticed the last few weeks she was almost insatiable. They wagered that without someone with skill or stamina, something both had, she'd be wearing out people left and right.

Lucy puffed her cheeks out, "fine." she let out a giggle though as he leaned over and lightly kissed her.

The three were torn from their 'bubble' as two mages ran in, Jet and Droy, Lucy's mind provided, yelling about how something horrible happened loud enough that they heard it where they were sitting. Hearing that the magic council had been destroyed had all three rising to their feet. Kaleb had noted several times it would take a lot to take out the building and people with in.

When the world felt like it was rocked, Zen's wings snapped out before Vander was curling into shadows. Lucy grinned as she jumped over the railing and held up her hands, feeling the firm grip on both as Zen took flight towards the doors.

"This is crazy, you know that, right?"

Lucy let out a laugh, "Crazy and probably stupid."

Zen's lips quirked, "So...typical day for you."

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Lily smiled as she finished her food and then glanced towards the door. Her eyes flickering for a moment before she picked her drink up. She murmured, "what do you hear at the door?"

Farron frowned, movement stopped as her hand rested on his and she locked her eyes with his, shaking her head slightly. He let out a sound and put his free hand on hers. It took a moment and he frowned, "..nothing..it's like there's..nothing there, not even Etherno…"

Heavy steps filled the air, despite the chatter off the old man talking about how the Magic Council had been destroyed, the two mages obviously focusing without looking. A single sound came from the man and wind whipped through the mostly now empty restaurant, the walls exploding outwards. Lily let out a sound as she was yanked, the table they were at flipped up to give at least a bit of cover.

Her eyes hardened and she let out a low growl, fire licking at her fingertips. Though when she spoke, it was the same soft tone, "is this normal?"

Farron shook his head, "I'd wager not. Council Insurance would be far too expensive if it was."

They both heard sickening crunches and moved from their cover, Farrons eyes narrowing as he saw The Raijinshū on the ground and looking like they were having trouble moving. The two moved towards the man who had Yajima's neck in his hand, wind covering it and Lily's hand came out to her side, a tendril of fire snapping into existence.

"The Gates of Hell have Opened. Judgement is upon Humanity."

Those words made the woman lash out with the fire then slam into him, her free arm going to grab the old man as she pushed off with her feet. Lily didn't understand what the man meant, but her eyes were narrowed as she backed away slowly, keeping the old man firm in her grip, "None may judge humanity but the Gods themselves."

"That's one of the nine gates of Tartaros! Run!" Bickslow watched the woman as Farron helped him up.

Farron smirked, "She won't. Holy Warrior Maiden from Bellum." he was worried, he could hear Bickslow's ribs grinding in a very wrong way, the same from Evergreen and Freed; the old man, Yajima's breath was ragged in his throat, the blood pooling oddly. "We need to get you out of here."

"You think to pass judgement on me?"

Lily tilted her head a bit, flicking her wrist and the fire whip snapping again. Her lips quirked and she pointed up, "No, but I hear there is a thunder god here."

The man looked up, just as lightning came down. The huge bolt covering the body as the man let out a scream.

Laxus snorted softly, landing in a crouch with a crater forming at the impact, "A bit Dramatic."

The Holy Maiden smirked a bit, "I thought that was your thing?" she tilted her head, "afterall, you call yourself a god."

"Oh, chickie," Laxus grinned, there wasn't any sort of anger in it, but almost teasing, "it's a well deserved title."

Lily just stared at him, "tch. Closer to a Firebird than a chick." She took a few steps back as the man's cloak was cast off, revealing someone that wasn't human. She nodded once to Laxus as she continued the small steps back. It wasn't about her being able to deal with the creature or not; she was holding an injured person. Lily did, wager, however, that she most likely could not attack and protect the old man she was holding.

Orange eyes traced movements as the two started to fight, watching as the Slayer easily avoided attacks, his fists slamming into the creature over and over again. She tilted her head and hmpfed, "still no god."

When the creature finally went still after a massive crash of lightning encased fist from the slayer hit it, Lily relaxed just a bit. The woman bowed her head slightly before she set the man down, crouching to check over him. Her lips were drawn, "Bruised throat...he probably should see someone, swelling."

"I suppose I'll have to die once."

"Stop him! He's got...no he is a bomb!" Farron called out, only to have his eyes go wide at the dark grin on the creatures lips.

that was the only warning before a concussive force slammed through the air. The black particles that filled the air made her pupils constrict as she felt the fire in her rage right before Lily coughed. Flames flickering and spreading out from her fingers, curling around Farron, Yajima and the Raijinshū creating a barrier as she felt her vision swim. "Oh...this isn't good…"

The voice that filled the air as she watched the black mist start to curl up made dread fill her, "This is Mashou Ryuusi. They Destroy the Etherno in the atmosphere and pollute it.. It causes Magic Deficiency...Quite deadly in wizards."

The Fire user felt the mist bounce at the shield, popping and snapping as each particle was burnt. "tell me you know someone that can deal with these!"

Laxus narrowed his eyes and she saw the immediate particles start to be drawn into his lungs. "Dragon slayers have special lungs."

Lily gave a small nod, even as she felt light headed and held her hands straight up, concentrating. Fire slowly curled up her body and then rushed out wrapping around the particles and turning colors even as it spun like a tornado, drawing the air and dark mist into it. Not all of it was overtaken, but half, which she supposed was good, this wasn't something she'd ever tried. Then Lily's body seized and her eyes went wide as the flames snapped back to her. A scream silently tore from her as she felt the particles inside her and orange eyes rolled up in their sockets.

The amount of particles left in the air would need to be taken care of, but given the actions of the two, it wouldn't be as bad. Farron caught the woman as her muscles unlocked, holding her and frowning "we need to get them to your guild, Bix." she was ice cold...and that worried him to no end.

They all gave a nod as they stood there, looking around, "...I'll call Cris...he...hopefully can do something about this."

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Notes:

have to be honest. I'm not happy with the last bit.

Something rankles me and I think i've stared at it for about 4 hours. It's to the point that I've given up. it's confusing, I hated the Tempster Fight to start, because...he came off as the biggest, most cheaty way to get Laxus and The Raijinshū out of the way to make a bigger bloody deal about how OP Natsu is at the end of the day. Maybe it's me, maybe I read too much into it, but really, at that point in the manga I was hoping for good story and my hope was dashed. Not to say the Arc is not a good arc, it is. has some of the better villians I've seen (Mard, Jackal, Seilah).

I'll be honest, this is probably going to be one of the harder arcs to write, because well...Pretty sure I've got enough Pradesh boys in Magnolia to rofflestomp them, but i'm trying to be good.